Developer proposes another East Village renovation

The Des Moines City Council will consider a request today from developer Jake Christensen that could lead to a major renovation project in the East Village.

Christensen wants to rezone an 11-story building at 600 E. 5th St., which for years provided housing for senior citizens, from a multifamily residential designation to a mixed-use district.

He proposes creating 103 multiple-family dwelling units, 19,433 square feet of area for a skilled nursing facility and 4,392 square feet of area for restaurant use, according to a staff report.

The request was recommended for approval by the city's plan and zoning commission.

The council will also consider several items related to Christensen's proposal to move historic Norden Hall from its location at 709 E. Locust St. to property he plans to buy from the city at 425 E. Grand Ave.